This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for those busy weeknights! Just toss in some chicken, pasta, and tasty sauce, and let your slow cooker do all the work.
I love how this dish makes my life easier because it’s a one-pot meal. Plus, the cheesy goodness makes everyone smile at dinner. Who doesn’t love spaghetti night? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish super easy, as it’s already cooked. If you prefer, you can use grilled chicken breasts or any leftover chicken you have.
Spaghetti Pasta: Regular spaghetti works great, but you could also use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary!
Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups add creaminess and flavor. If you’re avoiding cream soups, you can try a mixture of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream with broth as a lighter substitute.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella create a deliciously cheesy topping. Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free cheese for a different flavor or for dietary preferences.
How Do I Cook the Noodles Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Cooking pasta in a crockpot can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right. Ensure the spaghetti is broken in half and submerged in the sauce to cook evenly.
- Mix your ingredients well to cover the noodles with sauce.
- Keep the lid on while cooking to trap steam, which helps the noodles cook thoroughly.
- Check the noodles around the 3-hour mark. If they’re not tender yet, give them a stir and check again in 15 minutes.
If you find that the mixture looks too dry, add a bit more chicken broth to keep everything moist!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or cooked chicken breasts)
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 3 to 4 hours to cook in the crockpot. So, you can set it up in the morning or during your lunch break, and have a delicious meal waiting for you when you get home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This will help your chicken spaghetti come out easily when it’s finished cooking.
2. Combine the Chicken and Veggies:
Add the shredded chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, and optional diced green bell pepper to the crockpot. These ingredients will create a delicious base.
3. Add the Soups and Broth:
Pour in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture will be the creamy sauce for your spaghetti!
4. Incorporate the Spaghetti:
Break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half and gently add them to the crockpot. Stir to make sure the noodles are submerged in the sauce.
5. Season Your Dish:
Now it’s time to spice things up! Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir again to make sure these seasonings are mixed throughout.
6. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Check for doneness at around 3 hours to see if the noodles are tender and ready!
7. Add the Cheesy Goodness:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Cover the crockpot again so the cheese can melt into the sauce!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, garnish your chicken spaghetti with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy concoction straight from the crockpot!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen chicken completely before adding it to the crockpot, as cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking. The best way to thaw is by transferring it to the fridge the night before or placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a few hours.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Soups?
If you want to avoid cream soups, try using a mixture of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream combined with some chicken broth. This will still give you a creamy texture and delicious flavor without the canned option!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks too dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Be sure to adjust the cooking time since gluten-free pasta can cook a bit differently than traditional pasta. Start checking for doneness at around the 2.5-hour mark.
